Autoblog

GM confirms Chevrolet Volt to be introduced in California before nationwide rollout

Noah Joseph — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 10:30:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Hybrid, Government/Legal, Marketing/Advertising, Technology, Chevrolet, Electric

2011 Chevrolet Volt - Click above for high-res image gallery

If environmentally-friendly transportation is your thing, there's no place like California. Not only is the state home base to Tesla - the first company to genuinely demonstrate that hugging a tree and hugging the road needn't be mutually exclusive - it was also chosen by General Motors as the launch site for its EV1 and by Honda for the FCX Clarity. It should come as no great surprise, then, that GM has just announced that its latest earthmobile - the highly anticipated Chevrolet Volt - will launch in California first before being introduced in markets across the country.

Not only with the Volt be available in the nation's largest car market before any other, but The General is also partnering with a number of local electric companies to accompany the rollout. Pacific Gas and Electric, Southern California Edison and Sacramento Municipal Utility District, together with the non-profit Electric Power Research Institute, will help demonstrate the benefits and practicality of the Volt's hybrid powertrain, thanks in part to a $30 million grant from the federal Department of Energy's Transportation Electrification Initiative. Follow the jump to read all about it in GM's full press release.

Gallery: Quick Spin: 2011 Chevrolet Volt

[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading GM confirms Chevrolet Volt to be introduced in California before nationwide rollout

GM confirms Chevrolet Volt to be introduced in California before nationwide rollout originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Dec 2009 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Review: Google Maps turn-by-turn navigation on Android 2.0

Sam Abuelsamid — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 11:58:00 EST

Filed under: Technology, Reviews

Google maps turn by turn navigation - Click above for high-res image gallery

It's no secret that we've been openly critical of the prices charged by automakers for built-in GPS navigation systems. Frankly, paying $2,000 or more for an in-dash system when you can buy stand-alone navigation units for as little as $100 is ridiculous. Even the newer, larger seven-inch screen units are now down to as little as $250, and even though they aren't tied in to a vehicles' wheel sensors, they tend to be plenty accurate. Now, however, there is a new option that is even cheaper - as in (sort of) free.

It's only "sort of" free because the Google maps turn-by-turn navigation app is built into the new Motorola Droid smartphone (see sister-site Engadget's full review of the Droid here) that recently became available from Verizon Wireless. In this case, you have to sign up for two years of mobile phone service, which includes a data plan. I've been a Verizon customer for a decade and just happened to be up for a biennial discounted phone upgrade. When the Droid appeared a few weeks ago, the plan to wait until the new year for a Palm Pre was discarded. We've now had the chance to play with the Droid and its new navigation software, so follow the jump to find out if it lives up to expectations.

Gallery: Motorola Droid Google Navigation

Continue reading Review: Google Maps turn-by-turn navigation on Android 2.0

Review: Google Maps turn-by-turn navigation on Android 2.0 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Dec 2009 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy

John McElroy — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 15:58:00 EST

Filed under: Technology, Autoline on Autoblog

A RADICALLY NEW TYPE OF ENGINE

When oil prices shot over $100 a barrel a year ago, I was inundated with press releases from inventors claiming they had an engine that would solve the energy crisis. In most cases, I simply deleted each release and went on with my work. You see, I've seen this all before.

The same thing happened after the oil shocks of the 1970s. All kinds of inventors came up with all kinds of engine designs, promising to solve the country's energy problem. But not one of those engines ever made it into production.

In most cases these new designs only existed on paper. In other cases, the efforts were led by people who had no clue what it takes to break into the automotive industry. Think about it. In the last 100 years only three engines have made it into mass production: the gasoline engine, the diesel engine, and the rotary. And only Mazda has stuck with the rotary.

But recently I got to see a new type of engine that makes me think it might have a chance. Part of that has to do with the design of the engine. The other part has to do with who is behind the project.

____________________________________________________________________________________

John McElroy is host of the TV program "Autoline Detroit" and daily web video "Autoline Daily". Every week he brings his unique insights as an auto industry insider to Autoblog readers.
____________________________________________________________________________________

Continue reading Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy

Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Nov 2009 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nav for All: Nissan offering inexpensive nav system on popular cars

Chris Shunk — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 09:57:00 EST

Filed under: Technology, Nissan

When navigation systems started showing up in the center stacks of luxury vehicles, the new (at the time) tech typically would set owners back a couple grand or more (and still does). As we gear up for 2010, mapping tech is everywhere from the most expensive luxury sleds to economical hatchbacks, but there is still one problem. If you want an LCD screen with navigation capability, the option will still set you back from over $1,000 to above and beyond $2,000 in most cases. The only exception is Suzuki, which includes its TRIP nav system as standard equipment on the sub-$20k SX4.

Nissan is looking to change the navi pricing paradigm by offering a $400 navigation system in some of its high volume 2010 MY products. That's $400, or the same price as Ford's LCD-less SYNC system. Or less than half the price of most options available in vehicles today. The nav system, which was developed by Nissan and Bosch, gives directions, integrates your tunes with USB and Aux inputs and has integrated Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calling. The low cost system also connects with a backup camera and can help you save money by pointing out the route that will cost you the least fuel.

The Detroit News reviewed the nav system in 2010 Nissan Sentra and came away impressed with its overall operation, though the smallish five-inch LCD screen was reportedly a bit hard to read at times. We're hoping low cost navvies are here to stay, and with the ultra-competitive nature of the auto industry, we're thinking any automaker that doesn't follow Nissan's lead will be at a major competitive disadvantage.

[Source: The Detroit News]

Nav for All: Nissan offering inexpensive nav system on popular cars originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Nov 2009 09:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LA Preview: 2011 Ford Mustang V6 makes 305 HP, gets 30 MPG

Chris Paukert — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 00:01:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Convertible, Coupe, Technology, Ford

2011 Ford Mustang V6 - Click above for high-res image gallery

It would be reasonable to expect that Ford might pass over the Mustang and instead devote more attention to its other models since it's fresh off a comprehensive revamp for the 2010 model year. However, that's not what is shaping up in the House That Henry Built.

For 2011, the Blue Oval is introducing a new 3.7-liter V6 Mustang that should give it the firepower and refinement needed to take on Chevrolet's six-cylinder Camaro and Hyundai's upstart Genesis Coupe. But it isn't just the spanking all-aluminum powerplant and its 305 horsepower and 280 foot-pounds of torque that's making the scene for the forthcoming model year. In addition to the Cleveland-sourced mill, there are a pair of fresh gearboxes, a new V6 performance package, and a host of nip/tucks to the interior and elsewhere.

Now, we could grouse on behalf of 2010 MY 'Stang owners everywhere that these upgrades weren't part of last year's mid-life updo, but instead, we'll just be happy that these advancements are arriving at all.

Despite being smaller than the outgoing 4.0-liter V6, the dual-overhead cam 3.7-liter's horsepower and torque ratings represent massive improvements over the 2010 model (305 HP dismisses 210 HP and 280 lb-ft. plays 240 torques). In fact, that's more horsepower than the 4.6-liter V8 Mustang made just a few years ago. While the 305-horse figure only allows the Mustang to pip the crosstown Camaro by a single all-important stallion in the pony car bragging wars, Ford says the powertrain will be good for 30 miles-per-gallon on the highway when paired with its new six-speed automatic, also one notch better than the Chevy.

Click through to the jump to read more details and check out Ford's suite of press releases.

Gallery: 2011 Ford Mustang 3.7-liter V6

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading LA Preview: 2011 Ford Mustang V6 makes 305 HP, gets 30 MPG

LA Preview: 2011 Ford Mustang V6 makes 305 HP, gets 30 MPG originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Nov 2009 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Which iPhone navigation app should you buy? This'll help

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 13:57:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Technology

The season of hitting the roads to places you don't really want to go, so that you can give gifts you didn't really want to buy and eat food you don't really like has begun. Naturally, a lot more people on the road means a lot more folks getting lost. Fear not, you invincible iPhone-equipped holiday travelers: Appcast has ranked the created a list of navigation apps taking into account 31 different features and metrics.

With all the measuring they've done, they leave the decision of which one is best up to you. But with factors such as coverage area, traffic and speed camera notifications, demo routes, and even text-to-speech (including how the application handles voice instructions when the phone is playing music), you should have plenty of tools to make the best choice for your tastes.

There are seven apps tested, starting at $29.99. One of them could help make your holiday treks that much more manageable -- but they still won't eat fruitcake.

[Source: Appcast]

Which iPhone navigation app should you buy? This'll help originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Nov 2009 13:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nissan's self-healing Scratch Shield paint to be applied to mobile phones

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 08:59:00 EST

Filed under: Japan, Technology, Nissan

A while back, Nissan scientists helped to develop a paint clearcoat called Scratch Shield that can self-repair light scratches overnight or over the course of a week.

Now the Japanese automaker is spreading the love, licensing the technology to Japan's largest wireless company, NTT DoCoMo. The clearcoat uses a special top layer of highly elastic resin that gives the coating a 'flexibility' that reportedly means that it can prevent or "heal" 80% of surface marks. The coating itself is also tougher, so it is less susceptible to marks in the first place. Official press release after the jump.

[Source: Nissan]

Continue reading Nissan's self-healing Scratch Shield paint to be applied to mobile phones

Nissan's self-healing Scratch Shield paint to be applied to mobile phones originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Nov 2009 08:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Chevrolet Volt tests driver-controlled audio warning system with the blind

Sam Abuelsamid — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 15:13:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Technology, Videos, Chevrolet, Electric

As the popularity of hybrids has grown over the last few years, advocates for the blind have been raising a red flag about noise, or -- more to the point -- the lack of it. Because electric-drive vehicles emit much lower levels of sound on the street, blind pedestrians who've relied on the noise emitted from traditional vehicles lose a major source of information when navigating the streets and sidewalks.

There have been movements in various legislatures to mandate some minimum sound level from electric vehicles to ensure that blind pedestrians can tell when they're approaching, and General Motors recently conducted a test session at its Milford Proving Grounds with a group of the visually-challenged to assess the audible warning systems on the Chevrolet Volt.

The engineers have employed the car's horn to emit a series of warning chirps when a pedestrian is in proximity to GM's gas-electric hybrid, evaluating the nature and level of the warnings to alert pedestrians rather than startle them. GM spokesman Rob Peterson tells us that on the first generation Volt the warnings will be manually activated by the driver, although future iterations are likely to incorporate some sort of active system. Currently, the biggest hurdle is developing an active system that can distinguish a pedestrian from another vehicle. Otherwise, without a reliable detection system, the horns would be going off at all times, increasing noise levels and making it largely useless.

[Source: ChevroletVoltage.com]

Continue reading VIDEO: Chevrolet Volt tests driver-controlled audio warning system with the blind

VIDEO: Chevrolet Volt tests driver-controlled audio warning system with the blind originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 Nov 2009 15:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New Hyundai 2.4-liter GDI four-cylinder makes 200 hp in 2011 Sonata

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 13:01:00 EST

Filed under: Technology, Hyundai

Hyundai 2.4L Theta-II GDI - Click above for high res image gallery

When Hyundai's all new Sonata goes on sale early in 2010, it will arrive in U.S. showrooms with only one available engine, a thoroughly revamped version of the 2.4-liter Theta-II four cylinder. The new engine is Hyundai's first production powerplant with gasoline direct injection, but John Juriga, director of powertrains at the Hyundai-Kia Technical Center (HATCI), promised it wouldn't be the last. Juriga told a media briefing at HATCI recently that Hyundai was planning to roll out GDI across its lineup in the coming years.

For now though we have to be content with the new Sonata engine, which is now more powerful than the engine it replaces with 200 hp and 186 pound-feet of torque. The basic internal dimensions are carried over from the 2010 port-injected edition, with bore and stroke of 88 mm x 97 mm for a total displacement of 2,359 cc. The new fuel delivery system has allowed the engineering team to bump the compression ratio from 10.5:1 up to 11.3:1. Like other direct injected engines, the charge cooling effect of injecting the fuel in into the high temperature compressed aid allows the elevated compression without the risk of knock. Read on to learn more about the first GDI Hyundai engine.

Gallery: Hyundai 2.4L Theta-II GDI

[Source: Hyundai]

Continue reading New Hyundai 2.4-liter GDI four-cylinder makes 200 hp in 2011 Sonata

New Hyundai 2.4-liter GDI four-cylinder makes 200 hp in 2011 Sonata originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 Nov 2009 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Return of Paperboy? Honda unveils Bicycle Simulator

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 08:29:00 EST

Filed under: Japan, Technology, Honda

You remember Nintendo's Paperboy, right? Back in Triassic era of videogames, you had to deliver the day's print to the right house while not getting run over by a car or taken out by a tire. Not exactly the most direct way to learn bicycle safety, but it was fun. A more efficient way to stay safe on a bicycle is Honda's new simulator, which aims to teach two-wheeled folks better on-the-road safety.

Traffic fatalities have fallen in Japan but bicycle fatalities have apparently risen, with teens and older riders the biggest victims. The majority of the problems apparently stem from breaking traffic rules, so the simulator allows riders to learn the ways of the asphalt without getting clobbered by a Daihatsu, and provides both learning and a "rider evaluation session" after the demo.

Honda is accepting pre-orders now, and the simulator will go on sale in Japan starting next February. For the full scoop, check out the press release after the jump.

[Source: Honda]

Continue reading Return of Paperboy? Honda unveils Bicycle Simulator

Return of Paperboy? Honda unveils Bicycle Simulator originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 Nov 2009 08:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ricardo develops airplane taxi bot to reduce emissions, noise

Jonathon Ramsey — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 17:07:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Technology

Ricardo TaxiBot -- Click above for high-res image gallery

It's certainly good to see some other wheeled vehicles doing their part for the environment, even if it is an airplane -- especially if it's an airplane. Actually this news isn't about the plane itself, but a "pilot-controlled towing vehicle" for an airplane called a "TaxiBot."

Ricardo -- the same folks that make car components -- have engineered the TaxiBot to allow a plane to turn off its main engines when taxiing to the gate and around the concourse. The trick is an automated clamper placed within a standard tug; once the pilot guides the nosewheel into the clamp, the pilot steers, turns, and brakes the tug with the airplane controls. Instead of motive force coming from giant Pratt & Whitneys, the tug's two 500-hp V8s can pull planes up to 747s and A340s.

If adopted widely, the TaxiBot could save airports and airlines millions of dollars in gas and debris damage as well as sparing the world tons of CO2 emissions. You can get the details on the taxibot and its implementation in the press release after the jump.

Gallery: Ricardo TaxiBot

[Source: Ricardo]

Continue reading Ricardo develops airplane taxi bot to reduce emissions, noise

Ricardo develops airplane taxi bot to reduce emissions, noise originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 21 Nov 2009 17:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Ferrari working on radical new door opening

Frank Filipponio — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:58:00 EST

Filed under: Technology, Ferrari, Rumormill

As if scissor doors, gullwings, butterflies and those crazy Koenigsegg pivoters weren't enough to separate exotics from lesser cars, Ferrari is said to be working on another new door design that is both radical and practical. Go figure.

Autocar came across a patent filing showing a few diagrams depicting this unique door setup. What sets it apart is the fact that the new Ferrari door includes part of the front fender and hinges upward like the butterfly door from a LeMans racer. Apparently the opening is large enough and shaped in such a way that "occupants can place their foot directly behind the front wheel."

According to the patent application, that will make ingress and egress much easier for passengers in low-slung supercars, though the new door design is said to work just as well on front engined cars as it does for vehicles with their engines mounted aft or amidships. Even better, this design and its unique hinges are reported to be "easy and cost-effective to make," which should make it easier for the Dodge Chargers of SEMA circa 2012 to get in on the fun too.

We're still seeing an issue with the A-pillar and windscreen, but it looks interesting. We'll be sure to keep an eye out for any photos of these funky doors, but for now we're stuck wondering how hard it was for Ferrari engineers to use the supplied British sports car diagram in order to submit their application form.

Gallery: Ferrari's radical new doors

[Source: Autocar]

REPORT: Ferrari working on radical new door opening originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Deconstructing the end-of-the-world limo ride in 2012

Chris Shunk — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:58:00 EST

Filed under: Technology, Videos

Click above to watch the video after the jump

We're still early in the holiday movie season, but the clear early winner is the blockbuster world-ending thriller 2012. The pic cleared $65 million in its first weekend in the U.S. and a stunning $265 million around the globe. If you have already seen the movie or if you've just checked out the five minute clip we showed you last month, then you know this disaster flick is chock-full of CGI destruction on a scale we quite frankly have never seen before. And our favorite scene stars a Lincoln Town Car limo that somehow manages to survive (like the Panther platform upon which it is based) while the virtual world quite literally crumbles around it. It makes us wonder how that scene was made to look so damn real.

Well, we didn't have to wonder for long, because YouTube has come to the rescue with video of how the scene was created. A company called SWAY Studio created a simulator/program called Drive-A-Tron that works like a virtual stunt driving machine with very realistic-looking results. The simulator features a real steering wheel, along with brake and accelerator pedals to capture the action in real time. SWAY reconfigured the machine for the big screen action flick so the program could interact with moving terrain, and since the system features true to life engine, suspension and even tire inputs, the final product looks pretty damn real to us. Hit the jump to watch how the Lincoln Town Car limo scene was created. Pretty interesting stuff.

[Source: Raging Artists]

Continue reading VIDEO: Deconstructing the end-of-the-world limo ride in 2012

VIDEO: Deconstructing the end-of-the-world limo ride in 2012 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Can You Hear Me Now? China reportedly developing 3G-based 'smart' car

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 10:29:00 EST

Filed under: China, Technology

Chana Auto, otherwise known as Changan (that's their Benni Sports pictured), has entered into an alliance with China Mobile "to develop a smart vehicle based on 3G wireless technologies." In actuality, however, it sounds like it's not the vehicle that will be smart, but what you can do with it.

From Gasgoo's report, it sounds like Changan wants to put an iPhone on wheels. That "wireless communications package" will feature all the web content - and e-mail and videoconferencing - you've practically come to expect from a car. Beyond that, it will enable owners to perform functions remotely such as control and management of the car, diagnostics, positioning and tracking, and "technologies which emulate an office environment." Pretty soon, even in China, there'll be no such question as "Dude, where's my car?"

[Source: Gasgoo]

Can You Hear Me Now? China reportedly developing 3G-based 'smart' car originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Nov 2009 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Jay Leno does the electric Tango

Domenick Yoney — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 19:00:00 EST

Filed under: Technology, Videos, Celebrities, Design/Style, Electric

Jay Leno drives Commuter Cars' Tango - click above to watch the video after the jump

Jay Leno likes him some electric Tango. No, not the new dance craze all the kids are ~~talking~~ texting about, but rather the oddly-narrow but very quick two-seater from Commuter Cars. Now, regular Autobloggreen readers have seen the Tango before, posing beside George Clooney or perhaps drag racing Tesla Roadsters, and many have commented (less than favorably) on its, um, nonconformist appearance. Perfect fodder, one might think, for a crack by someone who knows a thing or two about comedy. Instead, our man Jay Leno plays things pretty straight as he chats with its creator Rick Woodbury before taking it for a spin.

Watching the clip, you can tell that Leno really likes it, especially from behind the wheel. He reports it doesn't feel like a small car inside and really only looks weird from the outside. He likes that it's unique and finds the fact you can lane split with it to be hilarious. However, the real reason he states "It makes you smile..." has less to do with the Tango's width as it does with the fact that "it goes like stink," a point which he happily reiterates.

Despite its turn-of-speed, one of the Tango's biggest shortcoming is its 40 mile range at highway speeds. The car's heavy lead acid batteries are great for keeping it upright around hard corners, but you can't expect to go too far with yesteryear's technology. During their pre-drive talk, Commuter Cars' Woodbury revealed that the company is finally about to put lithium battery pack in a test car, and he expects for it to go up to 200 miles. All of which strikes us as a much more reasonable number if he ever expects to bring skinny back. Hit the jump for video of a little Tango in Jay's Garage.

Gallery: AltCar 2009: Tango EV

[Source: Jay Leno's Garage]

Top Gear

Continue reading VIDEO: Jay Leno does the electric Tango

VIDEO: Jay Leno does the electric Tango originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Nov 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mercedes-Benz and Hughes release app-based "mbrace" telematics for iPhone, Blackberry

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 17:29:00 EST

Filed under: Safety, Technology, Mercedes-Benz, Luxury

Mercedes-Benz has teamed up with Hughes Telematics to begin offering a new system that allows drivers to enable dozens of their vehicles features with their Apple iPhone or Blackberry.

Dubbed "mbrace," the telematics setup covers everything from locking and unlocking doors to contacting roadside assistance and pinpointing an mbrace-equipped Mercedes-Benz in a parking lot.

The system will be included on all new Mercedes products, and current customers with the automaker's outgoing Tele Aid system are eligible to retrofit their aging Mercs with mbrace. The technology could also be used to stream music from the web, upload video content and connect to users PCs, however, that's further down the road. The system is available now for $280 a year, and you can get all the details in the press release below the fold.

[Source: Mercedes-Benz]

Continue reading Mercedes-Benz and Hughes release app-based "mbrace" telematics for iPhone, Blackberry

Mercedes-Benz and Hughes release app-based "mbrace" telematics for iPhone, Blackberry originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Nov 2009 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Nissan may offer optional higher-capacity batteries at premium

Sam Abuelsamid — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 15:31:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Technology, Hatchback, Nissan, Electric, Electric

2010 Nissan Leaf EV - Click above for high-res image gallery

It looks like Tesla probably won't be alone in offering different-sized battery packs in its future electric vehicles. At a U.S. launch event for the Leaf electric car on Friday, Nissan product planner Mark Perry told Paul Eisenstein of the Detroit Bureau that the Japanese automaker is investigating a similar idea.

Lithium ion batteries are likely to remain expensive for the foreseeable future, so in a bid to make EVs more affordable, they could be offered with different battery capacities. Tesla is planning to offer three sizes for the Model S with ranges from 160 to 300 miles. The Leaf doesn't have room for a pack larger than the initial 100-mile range, but future models may be designed to accommodate larger packs while the base versions could come with a smaller unit.

Gallery: 2010 Nissan LEAF

[Source: The Detroit Bureau]

REPORT: Nissan may offer optional higher-capacity batteries at premium originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Nov 2009 15:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG crash-test video shows off exploding door hinges

Chris Shunk — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 14:57:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Safety, Technology, Videos, Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG crash test - click above to watch the video after the jump

It's a sad fact that incredibly expensive, highly desirable cars have to be smashed to bits in the name of safety, but we have to admit we quietly enjoy watching the carnage. The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG had to endure its time with the crash barrier, and the video proves that the $200,000 supercar can hold its own against the international wall of destruction. The offset impact crash showed that virtually all of the energy was absorbed by its long front end while the cockpit remained largely intact. But what if the SLS flipped on its lid, rendering the gullwing doors inoperable?

In order to comply with federal standards that mandate that a door must be operational in the event of a rollover crash, MB built explosive charges into the hinge pins so that the doors could be blown off in the event of a rollover. As evidenced by the video after the jump, the charges worked, although in the video shown here, the explosives were triggered by an outside switch. In the event of a real-wold crash, yanking on the door handles would trigger the explosives once the SLS AMG was upside-down for a pre-determined amount of time.

If you haven't seen the vid already, click past the break to view it in full. It's a bit long and boring at the beginning, but it gets interesting around the halfway point when the merciless destruction begins.

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG

Photos copyright (C)2009 Chris Paukert / Weblogs, Inc.
[Source: Mercedes-Benz via YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG crash-test video shows off exploding door hinges

VIDEO: Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG crash-test video shows off exploding door hinges originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Nov 2009 14:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hyundai launches first direct-inject four-cylinder engine, replaces V6 in new Sonata

Sam Abuelsamid — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 09:58:00 EST

Filed under: Technology, Hyundai

testing Hyundai's Theta II DGI engine - Click above for high-res image gallery

When the swoopy new 2011 Sonata goes into production at Hyundai's plant in Alabama early next year, it won't offer a V6 engine anymore, but it will get the company's first ever direct-injected engine. This week in South Korea, Hyundai took the wraps off its 2.4-liter Theta II GDI four-cylinder. Like similar engines from other automakers, Hyundai's engineers have taken advantage of the charge cooling effect of direct injection by boosting the compression ratio to 11.3:1. As a result the engine produces 198 hp and 184 pound-feet of torque at 4,250 rpm in Korean spec.

The direct injection system is setup to use a two-pulse strategy similar to modern common rail diesels. The initial smaller pulse is ignited by the spark plug and then followed by a second larger pulse as the piston begins its downward stroke. GM uses a similar strategy for its 2.4-liter DI Ecotec because it helps warm the engine faster, heating the catalytic converter and reducing emissions. The GDI Theta II produces from 7-12 percent more torque across its rev range than the port-injected version of the same engine. Efficiency should also improve by about 10 percent although the final certification figures aren't complete yet. The Theta II also gets continuously variable valve timing on both camshafts to round out its high tech upgrades. In addition to the regular Sonata sedan, this engine will likely also be used for the new Sonata hybrid when it debuts late in 2010.

Gallery: Hyundai 2.4L direct injected Theta II

[Source: Hyundai]

Continue reading Hyundai launches first direct-inject four-cylinder engine, replaces V6 in new Sonata

Hyundai launches first direct-inject four-cylinder engine, replaces V6 in new Sonata originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Nov 2009 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: EcoBoost V8 Ford Shelby Mustang in the pipeline?

Jonny Lieberman — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 19:58:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Technology, Ford, Rumormill

2010 Shelby GT500 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Here's one we've been hearing rumors about for quite a while - an EcoBoosted V8 Mustang. Put another way, a twin-turbo, direct-injected, V8 Shelby GT500. The first rumor we heard was about a twin-turbo 50th Anniversary Edition 2014 1/2 Mustang, which would be the very definition of the word "Sweet!" We asked about this mythical car point blank to several fairly high-ranking Ford execs, only to be stared back at in silence. Although one dude - who shall remain nameless - did crack a knowing smile and asked, "Who told you that?"

Regardless of our shoddy scooping, The Detroit Bureau's Paul Eisenstein is now claiming that according to several unnamed sources, Ford is considering such a beast of an engine. Good idea? We think so. Not that there's much wrong with the GT500's current supercharged 5.4-liter monster, especially as it's pretty underrated at 540 hp. But it is a little long in the tooth being essentially a ten-year-old Ford GT power plant with a couple of changes. Not that current GT500 owners care, but at full clip, the Shelby gets... how to put this kindly... abso-fricking-lutely abysmal mileage.

We also know that while the current Taurus SHO's EcoBoost V6 makes an impressive 365 ponies, 600 horsepower is there for the asking (a little tuning, sure, but the engine can do it). With that in mind, can you even imagine the levels of sound and fury a twin-turbo V8 could unleash? Eisenstein doesn't mention it, but Ford wouldn't be slapping turbos on the old 5.4-liter or the older 4.6-liter modular engine. The EcoBoosting would be applied to the new 5.0-liter Coyote V8. When General Motors introduced LS3 V8 a few years back, it was noted by many that the intake manifold looked suspiciously like it was designed with forced induction in mind. We've heard similar rumors about the Coyote.

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Ford Shelby GT500, Part 1

[Source: thedetroitbureau.com]

Rumormill: EcoBoost V8 Ford Shelby Mustang in the pipeline? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 13 Nov 2009 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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